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Starting a Rescue Considering starting a rescue? Good for you! The key to being successful (establishing a well-run program, establishing care for the dogs, finding good adopters, and not losing your mind...!) is to carefully think through the details of how you will run your organization. It's more than just really really loving Dobermans and wanting to help. There are some links below as well as a list of things to consider before you begin. DPCA Rescue has a Helpful Hints packet available that has copies of sample contracts etc. - contact Kim Capella-Gowland to receive a copy. DPCA Rescue also has a great book for sale: "Breed Rescue: How to Start and Run a Successful Program" ($20 plus $2 shipping) - contact Kim Capella-Gowland to purchase . Good luck!!! Starting a Successful Rescue Operating a Successful Rescue Fostering a Rescue Dog Starting a Purebred Rescue Some ideas to consider: 1. Contacts: Make contact with the other people doing rescue in your state, introduce yourself, and decide if you want to be a 'branch' of that rescue or if you want to start from scratch (advantages to being a branch - if they have a good solid rescue going, they may already have lots of the procedures, paperwork etc. done for you). Click here to find contact info for established rescues. 2. Make contact with a vet who will give you discounted services. Decide what vet work you will have done. At a minimum, the basic shots, bordatella (for kennel cough - necessary if you plan to store the dogs together), rabies, and spay/neuter. Depending on the part of the country you are in, heartworm testing and testing for other parasites may also be a necessity. Figure out what this will cost and start with that for a possible donation for people to give you when they adopt. Even though every dog will not need all of this work, some dogs will need more (ex. heartworm treatment, setting broken bones etc.). Resist the temptation to donate the money yourself and give dogs away for free. See: The Tragedy of Free To A Good Home http://www.petrescue.com/library/free-pet.htm 3. Figure out where you will keep the dogs. Lots of dogs don't do well together, so if you are housing them together, you'll need separation. Foster homes are another idea. 4. Figure out how you will get dog food - many of the stores will donate their ripped bags etc. 5. If you want to be a tax deductible charity (501C3), there are some regulations you'll need to abide by - call the IRS and get the info on how to file for that status (see: Help 501c3).6. Figure out where you will get the dogs (make contact with your local animal shelters and let them know you're 'open for business') 7. You'll need a contract for the adopters to sign, saying they won't hold you liable if the dog bites them, eats their neighbor's cat, etc. There are many sample contacts available, but you need to check with a local attorney to make sure you have a valid legal document for your state. You'll need an application process (some people are NOT qualified to adopt a dog!) with a rigorous application and preferably a home visit. 8. Think about your process. Will you advertise in the paper to find adopters? You'll need to screen them. Will you do a home check - visit them at home with the dog you'd like to adopt to them? Do you want them to come to you? Who makes decisions on dogs that need to be euthanized? 9. FIND PEOPLE TO HELP YOU!!!
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